Happy August! What? It’s September? How did that happen?
Well, the good news is that when time is going as fast as it is, that means that there is so much going on that the time space continuum that we call Modesto USA is rockin’ and rollin’. The even better part is that I talk to a lot of people who also feel that way, maybe because that are planning and creating events that make our city come alive and be special. Whether you are young, old, local or a visitor, the Modesto area calendar is packed. As we get into the Labor Day weekend, we get into gear, running, chasing and sprinting forward.

One thing that it is so important about any community is to know where you came from so you know where to go. It is really true that to plan your future, develop your brand, you need to know what you are made of, who built it, and why many things happened. It is your story and every journey starts with an authentic story. It is more important than ever that we make learning and experiencing our history fun, to all ages and get more people involved in telling our story. We need ambassadors of all ages that know the good, so that we spread more good messages. This month, we take you back to the 20s and 30s as the golden age embraced Modesto, when the theatres were built, the arts were strong and we built the foundation of what Modesto is today. From the founding fathers of Modesto, to the visionaries that built the cities to the innovators that will take us into the future, there is something to we can learn from all of this and hope this next generation will absorb our history to take us forward.

On thing for sure, it is really easy to get out and about in Modesto. It is pretty easy to lead a healthy life. We have an abundance of healthy food, bikes and trails and a really walkable downtown. This month, we are going to focus on heart health, stopping Alzheimer’s and make strides against breast cancer. We can all do this together and we hope to see you out at one of the walks. Don’t forget there is a Senior Stride too. So take a walk, ride your bike and explore. With all of the great restaurants downtown, like the new Food Fix Butcher & Baker, you don’t need to have a plan, just head downtown, and you will find something to do, somewhere to eat, something to watch or listen to, every night of the week. We have this Modesto.

Thank you so very much to the American Legion for the honor of being named Citizen of the Year. It is something I will truly treasure and accept the responsibility to continue to be involved and try to make a positive different in our community. Thanks so much to my wife Becky, my family and friends that are so very supportive. I love you all.

If you are a Beatle fan, like I am, you will have a great month with some really special musical experiences with the Modesto Symphony Picnic at the Pops, performing with the Classical Mystery Tour and later in the month, a unique multi-media live performance Stroll Down Penny Lane at the State Theatre.

But whatever you do, let’s keep it local. We have great locally owned businesses that need us. I saw a great internet post that read, “Shop local, because Amazon won’t sponsor your kid’s soccer team”. This is so true. We love the businesses that advertise in ModestoView as they are the ones that think and live local so please check them out. We love our community, our friends and our opportunities to work together.
Thank you all for reading and being the people that charge up our batteries and make us better. #modestousa #gloriousmodesto

With gratitude,
Chris Murphy
Publisher & Founder ModestoView

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Chris Murphy is the President and CEO of Sierra Pacific Warehouse Group and Publisher and Founder of ModestoView Inc. Chris worked globally in the cycling industry returning to Modesto in 1996. He is also the founder of the Modesto Historic Graffiti Cruise Route, Legends of the Cruise Walk of Fame, Modesto Rockin’ Holiday, the Modesto Music History Organization and co-founder of the Modesto Area Music Association. Chris is married to his artist wife Rebecca since 1985 and has two daughters Madison and Abigail, both graduating from Modesto High and UC Berkeley. He is lead singer and guitarist for his band, Third Party that donates their performances to non-profits.